2026 Defensive Game-Wreckers in the Houston Area

Listed below are defensive players who stand out on film. These players have shown their toughness and awareness at their positions, and their drive to do what it takes to win. Each of these guys have the ability to disrupt an offensive game plan with their all-out play. Remember these names heading into next season!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='1660874' first='Malcolm' last='Graham'] | EDGE | Fort Bend Travis   Graham causes havoc from his outside backer position, whether its keeping containment or bringing pressure from the edge. He plays with great physicality at the point of attack. Graham reads his keys extremely well and attacks in a hurry. He is quick off the corners and makes impressive stops in space. Graham shows the ability to drop in coverage as well, keeping his head on a swivel and making plays on the ball when given the opportunity. He is a game-wrecker who can limit an offense scheme with his play alone. Graham is a name to get familiar with because it will be mentioned amongst the top at the position.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Jordan Mitchell | CB | Fort Bend Elkins   Mitchell shows great technique in his play. He excels in both man and zone, showing excellent awareness and and physicality in coverage. Mitchell is a sound player who does not get fooled on double moves and shows incredible recovery skills if initially beaten. His ability to stay step-for-step with his matchup disrupts the passing game for opposing teams. Mitchell can hold his own against any receiver and can lock down an entire side of the field with his play. Mitchell will be a rising name this offseason.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Cordell Flowers | ILB | Alief Elsik   Flowers plays fast and physical. He is a sideline to sideline playuer who shoots gaps with a purpose and will bring the pop on tackles. Flowers is a click and clack player. He quickly diagnoses the play and is hunting the ball in a hurry with little to no wasted movements. He does an excellent job of avoiding blockers using his quickness and agility. Flowers play on the field cannot be ignored and the way he moves on just about every play does not go unnoticed.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Daniel Scarabino | S | Cinco Ranch   Scarabino plays with all-out effort and shows incredible closing speed from the secondary. He plays with his hair on fire, sideline to sideline, and has an incredible feel for the game. Scarabino displays excellent awareness, reading opposing quarterbacks eyes and movements, and jumping routes to break-up passes. He is a great defender in both the run and pass game, shooting lanes, getting downhill, and making stops for minimal gains. His moves well in space and shows great toughness as well, unafraid to get in the mix at the line of scrimmage. Scarabino is a key piece on the Cougar defense and his presence makes them better. He is a player to keep eyes on this offseason.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Evan Burt | ILB | Seven Lakes   Burt is an active backer, getting into the mix on all plays. He knows how avoid the mess, locate the ball, and make stops in congested areas. He uses his eyes very well, reading and reacting, and heading straight for the ball. Burt is physical at the point of attack, giving only half his body to opposing blockers. He fights through lineman and will chase down a play from the opposite side. Burt shows great hustle and physicality in his play and has a chance to be a name mentioned amongst the best at the position in his district.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   MacGregor Byers | DL | Strake Jesuit   Byers is a force on the defensive line, showing dominance as a pass rusher and run stopper. He has quick hands that create space and separation from blockers, allowing him to hunt down ball carriers in a hurry. His ability to generate pressure from both the interior and edge makes him a valuable piece for the Crusader defense. Byers shows a great first step and incredible power off the snap, fighting through double teams and opposing linemen. Using his strength, Byers disrupts anything trying to go up the middle. His play and effort led to positive moments for the Crusaders and kept opposing teams in check. Byers will be a popular name at the position and a key guy to watch next season.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Cooper Knott | DB | Katy   Knott specializes at playing near the line of scrimmage and making physical plays on the ball. From that nickel spot, Knott is able to use his quickness to drive on the ball and make stops before they get started. He moves well in space with the ability to cover down the field in man coverage. Knott diagnoses plays quickly and is in the gaps equally fast. He tackles extremely well in the phone booth and shows great effort chasing down plays from the backside. Knott's activity on the field keeps opposing teams bottle up and what he provides does not go unnoticed.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />

Listed below are defensive players who stand out on film. These players have shown their toughness and awareness at their positions, and their drive to do what it takes to win. Each of these guys have the ability to disrupt an offensive game plan with their all-out play. Remember these names heading into next season!